The festival Dussehra will be celebrated on October 2 this year, with auspicious puja timings between 2:03 PM and 2:49 PM.
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most important festivals in India. It will be celebrated this year on Thursday, October 2, 2025, marking the grand conclusion of the nine-day Navratri festival. The day is observed on the tenth day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Ashvin, which usually falls in September or October, and it is remembered as the triumph of good over evil.
History of Dussehra
The roots of Dussehra can be attributed to two great mythical tales from Hindu mythology. The first and probably the most well-known story comes from the epic Ramayana. The story relates that Lord Rama had a long and arduous battle against the demon king, Ravana, who abducted Lord Rama’s wife, Sita, and carried her off to Lanka. With the help of his brother Lakshmana and the monkey-god devotee Hanuman, Lord Rama defeated Ravana in Lanka and brought Sita back home. To this day, the burning of Ravana’s effigies across India symbolizes the destruction of hubris, ego, and evil.
The second story, celebrated devotedly in Eastern India, is Goddess Durga fighting the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. Durga battled him for nine days and nights, and on the tenth day, she killed him. This victory of Durga is called Vijayadashami, and it reminds us of the divine feminine energy (Shakti) that restores peace and balance to the Universe.
Together, these stories explain why the festival holds such a special place in Indian culture. These stories remind people that truth and righteousness will always defeat injustice and lies, no matter how strong evil may appear to be.
Importance of the Festival
Dussehra is about more than recalling ancient stories; it is about incorporating their lessons into daily life. The festival compels individuals to confront personal shortcomings of their lives, such as anger, greed, or pride. Many people also consider it an auspicious time to embark upon new journeys, invest in purchases, or undertake personal commitments.
Also Read: Gold Prices Update: How Much 22K and 24K Gold Costs in Major Cities Today
Dussehra culturally follows the monsoon season and is the signaling of fairs, performances, and community gathering events. Dussehra gathers people as they celebrate through Ramlila plays, parades, rituals, and food. For many people, Dussehra is a celebration of resurrection, assurance, and social celebration.
Puja and Ravan Dahan Timings
In 2025, the Dashami tithi begins on the evening of October 1 and ends on October 2, confirming October 2 as the day of celebration. The most auspicious time for worship, known as the Vijay Muhurat, will be between 2:09 PM and 2:56 PM in New Delhi. Other significant periods include the Abhijeet Muhurat between 11:46 AM and 12:34 PM and the Aparahna Puja time in the early afternoon.
Dussehra features a highlight of festival enjoyment, Ravan Dahan, this evening! In Delhi, as well as many parts of India, the sunset time is around 6:06 PM, and after that time is when the effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna are traditionally set ablaze. WTo witness the grand and large effigies through the dark skies as they engulf in flames is considered good luck and a significant signifying of removing evil.
Regional Celebrations Across the Country
Although the theme remains consistent from one geographical location to another, Dussehra is celebrated in regionally distinctive ways throughout India. In the northern part of the timeline, the festival is known for its Ramlila performances, when the actors reenact a scene from the Ramayana. These performances usually end with the burning of giant effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and his son Meghnad.
In the east, particularly in West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha, Dussehra coincides with the culmination of Durga Puja. On Vijayadashami, idols of Goddess Durga are carried in colorful processions and immersed in rivers or ponds. Women take part in the joyful ritual of Sindur Khela, smearing vermilion on each other’s faces before bidding farewell to the goddess.
The day is observed in southern India, especially in Karnataka, with Ayudha Puja, celebrating tools, instruments, and vehicles for prosperity and protection. Mysore is particularly famous for its royal Dasara procession, featuring decorated elephants, music, and grandeur.
In Himachal Pradesh, Kullu Dussehra is renowned for the colorful fairs and processions of deities from the locals. The western state of Chhattisgarh’s tribal areas, Bastar Dussehra, takes place in honor of Goddess Danteshwari, and for several days, there are unique customs and practices distinct to tribal traditions.
A Festival of Togetherness & Continuity
From the burning of Ravana’s effigies in the north to the immersion of Durga idols in the east, from Mysore’s royal parades to Bastar’s tribal practices, Dussehra is celebrated in innumerable ways across India. Nonetheless, it resonates with the same message everywhere: that evil, no matter how powerful it may be, will always be defeated by goodness, courage, and truth.
As we prepare to observe Dussehra in the whole country on October 2nd, 2025, with puja scheduled for the afternoon and Ravan Dahan around sunset, we anticipate the effect of the festival inspiring many millions. It is both a celebration of culture and faith and a reminder of the timeless message of the victory of good over evil.
